How to use oral tapentadol?
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking tapentadol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor. You can take this medicine with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking this medication with food may help. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to reduce nausea (such as lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
The dosage depends on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Do not increase your dose, use this medicine more often, or for longer than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when prompted.
Painkillers work best when used as soon as the first signs of pain appear. If you wait until the pain gets worse, the medicine may not work as well.
Stopping this drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly decrease your dose. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, mental/mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts), watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscle pain, or changes in behavior.
If this medicine is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk to your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Although it helps many people, this drug can sometimes become addictive. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as substance abuse or addiction). Take this medicine exactly as directed to reduce the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
To prevent constipation, eat fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which laxative is suitable for you.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you because your doctor has decided that the benefits for you outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people taking this drug do not experience any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: confusion, stopping breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), stomach/abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, signs of adrenal dysfunction (such as loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss). ).
See a doctor right away if you notice any serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, fainting, seizures, severe sleepiness/difficulty waking up.
This medicine can increase serotonin levels and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you also take other drugs that increase serotonin levels. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking (see Drug Interactions section). See a doctor straight away if you develop any of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, convulsions, unexplained fever, unusual restlessness/agitation.
A very severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical attention immediately if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
Before taking tapentadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially: brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injuries, tumors), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD), Gallbladder disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of substance use disorders (such as drug/alcohol overuse or dependence), gastrointestinal problems (such as constipation, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), difficulty urinating (e.g. due to an enlarged prostate).
This medicine may make you dizzy or sleepy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you can do so safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Tell your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly slow/shallow breathing, confusion, constipation, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
